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As Costa Rica's coastline turns to lush slopes and reaches higher and higher towards the sky, you'll enter the mystical Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Described by National Geographic as the 'jewel in the crown of cloud forests', the trees are home to a menagerie of rare and elusive creatures... And in the middle of it all is Senda. Built as an unpretentious mountain home, the lodge takes every chance to showcase its spectacular vistas, whether it's from your private terrace or on a walkabout through the grounds as howler monkeys call overhead and butterflies pass in a flurry of colour. And how about going zip-lining in the very forest it was invented?
From $220 person/night
The food really is that good and it's unlikely you'll want to eat anywhere else. Why not pick up some skills with a cooking class? And look out for Senda's themed evenings too.
Senda is fantastic for families with a Mini Explorers menu for kids, on-site hikes, and swings in the garden. Visit the state-of-the-art interpretation centre for fascinating interactive talks.
The road to the hotel is very windy and steep, but this tends to be the case across Costa Rica. Just be prepared!
Featuring exposed timber, expansive windows and local artwork, Senda really feels like it's a part of the cloudforest. Enjoy a selection of South American wines at El Sapo, alongside lip-smacking Costa Rican cuisine: many of the ingredients are harvested from the impressive Kitchen Nursery, nut butters and sauces are made in-house, and cheeses arrive from the nearby Quaker community. In your down time, take in the view from spacious stone decks or round the bonfire at sunset, craft beer or cocktail (almost!) compulsory.
Overlooking the misty forest or the Gulf of Nicoya, Senda's rooms and suites are spread across a collection of bungalows. Pretty textiles are draped across the large, cloud-like beds and each room opens onto a private terrace for the best views - although the panoramic windows ensure the views are never far away... In the bathrooms, you'll find solar-heated rainfall showers and organic toiletries and thoughtful touches throughout include walking sticks, flashlights and gumboots, and hot water bottles. Size-wise, the Senda Suites are the largest with two en-suite bedrooms and spacious living area.
Monteverde is a biodiverse wonderland with over 500 bird and 100 mammal species, from jaguars and tapirs to sloths and howler monkeys. Explore the epic forest on guided hikes, horseback rides or from the air - there's ziplining, a Sky Tram and a Tarzan swing. The really brave can head out on a night hike amidst phosphorescent mushrooms and nocturnal critters. The Quaker town of Monteverde is only a 15-minute walk away, and it's the perfect place to sample some artisan coffee or craft beer, and discover the local history.
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